5 Green Beauty Myths It's Time To Get Over

Over the years, I’ve heard all the misconceptions and reasons why women don’t or won’t try to use green cosmetics. Let’s take a look at the five biggest green myths:

Myth #1: Green products cost too much.

Green products are not necessarily more expensive. Like traditional products, you’ll find a wide range from drugstore and mass-market to luxury brands. For example, you can find chemically safe shampoo for from $9 to $35. However, similar to food, you will often pay more for organic products.

Like anything, the higher the quality of the product, the more you will pay for it. If a product is certified from an organization like the USDA or ECOCERT, it may be costlier but not always. Products that include descriptions in the ingredients list such as “biodynamic,” “wild-crafted,” “fair trade,” “organic,” or “cold-pressed” may cost more but are worth it in the long run. It’s really up to you. The question is, what do you want and how much are you willing to pay for it?

Myth #2: It’s too time-consuming to find green products.

Once you know what you are doing, it doesn’t take more time to find (or use) green products. There is a learning curve to understanding toxic chemicals and how to eliminate them. Once you’ve learned how to green your beauty routine, you will spend the same amount of time shopping for chemically safe cosmetics and applying them as you would for any of your traditional products.

Myth #3: Green products sacrifice quality.

Green products do work. There is no denying that traditional products produce amazing results and that sometimes chemically safe options won’t compare to the traditional formulas. Let’s get that out of the way right now. It’s about your commitment and knowing how and when to use a traditional product.

However, natural ingredients have become highly sophisticated. There are quality nontoxic replacements for just about every toxic petrochemical. White willow bark and grape seed extract, for example, can be used instead of parabens. Colors are more vibrant now with the use of flowers. Natural and chemically safe alternatives for silicone in hair care and skin care products are available.

Myth #4: Green products lack glamour.

You don’t have to sacrifice glamour. Think about all the supermodels and actresses who have eco-friendly marketed product lines. Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr founded a natural bath and body line called KORA. Josie Maran, the face of Maybelline for years, launched an eco-conscious makeup line in her name. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen created Sejaa, a 100 percent natural spa skin care line. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.

In addition, there are thousands of chemically safe products on the market that are glamorous, with beautiful packaging, excellent branding, and premium ingredients. If you want high-end products, you can have them. Don’t you want a body lotion made with the finest oils from all over the globe? That’s glamorous!

Myth #5: It’s inconvenient to find green products.

Green products are easier than ever to find. You can find them just about anywhere, even at the airport, which is important to me. There are myriad mass cosmetic lines sold in drugstores and box stores like Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart. You can also conveniently find them online at a variety of boutique green stores and larger e-commerce sites. You don’t have to hunt them down like you used to.